Abuse and neglect happen more often in nursing homes than many people would like to believe. In the U.S, there are over thirty four million people over the age of 65 that need some form of assisted living, whether it is a nursing home, assisted living facility or other elderly facility.

Approximately one million senior citizens are abused in some manner every year. In the U.S. nursing home abuse is not uncommon in today's society. There has been increased recognition that elderly and dependent adults are subject to risks of abuse, neglect and abandonment.

Elder Law

Elder law is intended to protect individuals from nursing home and elder abuse. The risk of mistreatment of loved ones does exist, and victims can obtain an elder or nursing home abuse lawyer for counsel. Laws require that nursing homes develop a plan of care and employ sufficient staffing to provide all the care listed on the care plan. Nursing home residents have patient rights and certain protections under the law. Nursing homes must provide services and activities to attain or maintain the highest practicable physical, mental, and well-being of each resident in accordance with a written plan of care.

Prevention

Attracting and retaining quality employees can be difficult for a variety of reasons, among them low wages and a lack of qualified applicants. When nursing homes are understaffed, workers can become stressed. To prevent nursing home abuse, nursing homes need to make every effort to attract better-qualified applicants. One way is initial and ongoing training. Another, offering better wages and benefits. Better-trained and well-compensated employees are more likely to work harder and prevent abuse.

Choosing the Right Attorney

Elderly patients in nursing homes are among the most vulnerable members of our society. By law, nursing homes must provide care to maintain the highest practicable physical, mental and well-being of each resident. When a loved one has been a victim of nursing home abuse or neglect, you need an experienced attorney that will work hard to protect your loved one's rights.